Ben G. Curtis

Ben G. Curtis, 95, of Long Grove, Iowa passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Fieldstone of DeWitt surrounded by his loving family.

Private graveside services were held at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to North Ridge Community Church, 1700 Blackhawk Trail Rd., Eldridge, Iowa 52748. Chambers Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Ben was born on March 21, 1930 at the family home in rural Donahue, Iowa, one of nine children born to Roy and Leila (Rohwer) Curtis. The family moved to Princeton, Iowa where they continued to farm. Growing up, he was very close to his siblings, often riding horses and going to get ice cream together. During Ben’s lifetime, farming went from using horses, to operating a computerized combine. As a young adult, he farmed alongside his brothers, Ralph and Martin. Following his graduation from DeWitt High School, Ben was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served two years as an equipment operator. Upon returning to the family farm after his military obligation, he married the love of his life Patricia A. “Pat” Miller on May 4, 1958 in Rock Island, Illinois. They were blessed with four children, Marianne, Susan, Alan, and Connie. He often reminded people at family gatherings that “Pat was responsible for this whole thing”, in reference to their growing family!

Ben was a humble, hardworking husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. At age 90, he was still independently driving a combine and working long hours. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, both domestically and abroad. His candy drawer was always loaded with chocolate and with his ever-present sweet tooth, he would never turn down ice cream, maple donuts, cakes, or cookies. Ben enjoyed collecting coins, playing Bingo, scratching off lottery tickets or going to Rhythm City Casino, where he could be found playing his favorite game of blackjack. A favorite pastime was “telling lies” with his friends and fellow farmers at the Corner Market in McCausland. He will always be famous for his sense of humor and knack for telling jokes. He was also an avid North Scott Lancers and Iowa Hawkeye fan. He was proud to farm next to his son, Alan, and to share 53 wonderful years with his wife, Pat.

Those left to honor his memory are his children, Marianne (Mark) Seward of Jacksonville, Florida, Susan (Kraig) Rauch of Eldridge, Alan Curtis of Long Grove, and Connie Warner of Eldridge; six grandchildren, Erica Mullen, Cory Rauch, Alyssa Vretis, Tyler Warner, Nick Warner, and Clayton Warner; nine great-grandchildren; and siblings, David Curtis and Margaret Claeys.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; brothers, Ray, Ralph, Martin, and Robert Curtis; and sisters, Ruth Starr and Helen Miller.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Fieldstone of DeWitt for their exceptional care and compassion.